Book description
Winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award
"Tom Zoellner tells the story of Sam Sharpe's revolution manque, and the subsequent abolition of slavery in Jamaica, in a way that's acutely relevant to the racial unrest of our own time. Island on Fire is impeccably researched and seductively readable."-Madison Smartt…
Why read it?
1 author picked Island on Fire as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
A non-fiction account of the Jamaican slave uprising in early 1832. Despite the apparently specialist subject, it is not a dry read. It tells a proper story of a fascinating insurrection against slavery, which led to the British Parliament outlawing slavery in all its forms, not just the slave trade. The events are shaming from a British perspective (but there is also the fact that they ended the practice long before others). The brave stand that was taken by the slaves is something that should be a source of pride to descendants.
The book is really well written, so even…
If you love Island on Fire...
These Blue Mountains
A moving story of love, betrayal, and the enduring power of hope in the face of darkness.
German pianist Hedda Schlagel's world collapsed when her fiancé, Fritz, vanished after being sent to an enemy alien camp in the United States during the Great War. Fifteen years later, in 1932, Hedda…
Want books like Island on Fire?
Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Island on Fire.
Share your top 3 reads of 2025!
And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.
1,340
readers submitted
so far, will you?
📚 If you like Island on Fire, you might also like...
Miami Beat
Jose Castillo is a cynical, wise-cracking Cuban-American who restores classic cars. He’s also a private eye whose sarcastic ways sometimes get him into trouble.
One day, in the process of installing a four-barrel carburetor on a 1965 Mustang, into his shop walks trouble—in the shape of a mysterious, beautiful woman…
Bruce Songs
Bruce Songs is an authoritative guide that offers an in-depth exploration of Bruce Springsteen's musical legacy. Covering Springsteen's entire discography, from "Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J." to "Only the Strong Survive", this unique book combines historical context, literary analysis, and meticulous research.
Unlike any other resource, it provides detailed analyses…
